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Insect Stings in Children

What are insect stings in children?

Insect stings can happen anywhere on the body and can be painful and frightening for a child. Most insect stings cause only minor discomfort. Most stings are from honeybees or yellow jackets, also called ground hornets.

What causes insect stings in a child?

Bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets can sting a child. Yellow jackets cause the most allergic reactions in the U.S. Fire ants can also sting a child. These ants are usually found in Southern states.

What are the symptoms of insect stings in a child?

The following are the most common symptoms of insect stings.

Local skin reactions include:

Pain

Swelling

Redness

Itching

Warmth

Small amounts of bleeding or drainage

Raised red areas (hives)

Symptoms can affect the whole body. These symptoms may mean your child has a more serious allergic reaction. This type of reaction may be life threatening. See the treatment section for what to do in such an emergency. Symptoms include:

Coughing

Tickling in the throat

Tightness in the throat or chest

Trouble breathing or wheezing

Nausea and vomiting

Dizziness

Fainting

Sweating

Feeling anxious

Itching and rash on other parts of the body, not near the sting

How are insect stings in children diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will examine your child. He or she will check for a stinger and for signs of an allergic reaction.

How are insect stings treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Reactions are usually not serious. But they can be life threatening if the sting occurs in the mouth, nose, or throat area. This is because swelling can close off the airway.

Treatment for local reactions includes:

Calm your child and let him or her know that you can help.

Remove the stinger, if still present, by gently scraping across the site with a blunt-edged object, such as a credit card or dull knife. Do not try to pull it out.

Wash the area with soap and water.

Put a cold cloth or ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the area to help reduce swelling and pain. Do this for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off for 30 to 60 minutes. You can make your own ice pack by putting ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrapping the bag in a thin towel.

If the sting occurs on an arm or leg, raise the limb to help reduce swelling.

To help reduce the itching, consider the following:

Put a paste of one of the following on the area. Use baking soda and water, plain meat tenderizer and water, or a wet tea bag. Leave this on for 15 to 20 minutes.

Use an over-the-counter medicine made to use on insect stings.

Put an antihistamine, corticosteroid cream, or calamine lotion on the area.

Watch your child closely for the next hour for signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Call 911 and seek emergency care right away if your child is stung in the mouth, nose, or throat area, or if your child has signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Emergency medical treatment may include:

Medicines such as epinephrine, antihistamines, or corticosteroids

Help with breathing

What are the possible complications of insect stings in a child?

The two greatest complications from insect stings are allergic reaction and infection. An allergic reaction can cause death if the reaction is serious enough and your child does not get medical care right away.

What can I do to prevent insect stings in my child?

The following are general guidelines to help reduce the chances of insect stings. Outdoors, your child should:

Not use perfumes, hairsprays, or other scented products

Not wear brightly colored clothing

Not walk or play outside barefoot

Use an insect repellent made for children.

Stay away from areas that have hives and nests. Have any nests removed by professionals.

Stay calm and walk away slowly if an insect comes near

If your child has a known or suspected allergy to stings, follow these tips:

Have your child carry a bee sting kit such as EpiPen at all times and make sure your child knows how to use it. These products are available by prescription.

Tell your child's school and babysitters about the allergy and what to do if your child gets stung

Make sure your child wears long-sleeve shirts and long pants when playing outdoors.

See an allergist for allergy testing and treatment.

Key points about insect stings in children

Most stings are from honeybees or yellow jackets.

Yellow jackets cause the most allergic reactions in the U.S.

The most common symptom of an insect sting is swelling, pain, and redness at the sting site.

Treatment includes removing the stinger, washing the sting area, and applying a cold pack.